2009 | Thoughts & Notions | Blackcoffee

Archive for 2009

What is strategy?

Monday, November 16th, 2009

what-is-strategy

Most people have a vague, if not incorrect, definition of strategy, often confusing it with tactics. This shouldn’t come as a big surprise. Many people derive definition through association. Over time, misuse of the words Strategy, Strategic, Tactics and Tactical have obscured their meaning, so much so that for many organizations “strategy” has become a barrier to success.

Before you can formulate a strategy, your team must share a common and accurate definition. Ensuring that your definition is clear and simple makes for better communication. (more…)

Tags: Brand Strategy, Colonel Arthur F. Lykke Jr., ends, means, strategy, tactics, ways
Posted in Brand Management, Brand Strategy | 80027 Comments »What+is+strategy%3F2009-11-16+15%3A33%3A42Mark+Gallagher

Subtractive Thinking

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Subtractive-thinking-graphic

Few would argue with the statements: “Less is more” (Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, architect), “Do more with less” (Buckminster Fuller, structural engineer), or “Less but better” (Dieter Rams, industrial designer). The list goes on. Each of these minimalists built through subtraction. You too can benefit from a minimalist approach.

Most brands and businesses focus on adding value by adding functions. Yet, subtraction is more than just a way of reducing costs. Subtractive thinking can add real value, both by cutting cost and increasing usability. (more…)

Posted in Brand Expression, Brand Identity, Brand Management, Brand Signals, Brand Strategy | 63011 Comments »Subtractive+Thinking2009-11-02+15%3A56%3A37Mark+Gallagher

RiP! A Remix Manifesto

Friday, October 16th, 2009

rip-a-remix-manifesto

As business assets, “brands” are intellectual property. They are legally protected trademarks. Anyone working in the field of branding has a reasonable understanding of trademark and copyright law. But today, even the experts are confused as to who owns what. In his film, RiP! A Remix Manifesto, filmmaker Brett Gaylor explores issues of copyright in the information age, mashing up the media landscape of the 20th century and shattering the wall between users and producers. (more…)

Tags: branding, brands, copyright law, Girl Talk, intellectual property, Rip Remix Manifesto, trademark law
Posted in Uncategorized | 7612 Comments »RiP%21+A+Remix+Manifesto2009-10-16+16%3A28%3A25Laura+Savard